AGENDA TITLE:
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Adopt a Resolution to Approve Service Level Specifications and Authorize the Community Development Director to Release a Request for Proposal for Operating the Lodi Access Center and Emergency Shelter (CD)end
MEETING DATE:
October 1, 2025
PREPARED BY:
Jennifer Rhyne, Neighborhood Services Manager

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RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt a resolution to approve service level specifications and authorize the Community Development Director to release a request for proposal for operating the Lodi Access Center and Emergency Shelter.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City of Lodi (“City”) as with all cities across the country has experienced a significant increase in unsheltered individuals over the past decade, growing from 139 in 2019 to 262 in 2024. In response, City Council adopted the regional strategic plan in November 2020, prioritizing access to crisis services, development of a permanent Access Center and Emergency Shelter (“Access Center”), and integration of wraparound services.
On June 18, 2025, City Council authorized staff to develop a new Request for Proposals (RFP) for Access Center operations. Staff has since prepared a draft RFP, incorporated feedback from the City Attorney’s Office and San Joaquin County representatives, and is now presenting the RFP to City Council for consideration.
The attached RFP (Attachment 1) seeks qualified nonprofit providers to operate and manage the Access Center and Emergency Shelter 24/7, with an initial 60-bed count and flex capacity up to 208 beds. The model emphasizes low-barrier shelter access, coordination with County partners, and collection of outcome metrics such as housing placements, employment, service connections, and program retention.
Key elements of the RFP include:
• 24/7 shelter operations with accommodations for people, pets, and possessions.
• Coordination with County Partners as needed.
• Optional use of beds for Medical Respite to leverage additional funding streams. (not required)
• Mandatory participation in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• Reporting on core outcome metrics (housing, employment, service linkages, utilization, client engagement).
• Five-year initial agreement term, with one five-year extension option subject to performance and available funding.
• Flexible budget model based on 60 initial overnight clients with per-bed cost for any occupancy above 60.
Tentative Timeline if RFP Authorized for Release:
• RFP Release Date: October 2, 2025
• Virtual Pre-Proposal Meeting: October 22, 2025
• Deadline for Questions: October 27, 2025
• Proposal Deadline: November 3, 2025
• Eligibility Determination: November 4 - November 16, 2025
• Evaluation & Notification: November 17 to December 2, 2025
• Interviews: December 10, 2025
• Anticipated City Council Award: January 7, 2026
• Contract Execution: January/February 2026
• Contract Start: April/May 2026
Evaluation Committee:
To ensure a fair and transparent review process, staff will establish an RFP Evaluation Committee to review and score all proposals received. The top three proposers will be invited for interviews, after which the committee will identify a recommended operator for City Council consideration at a future meeting. In the event of tied or close scoring, the evaluation committee may determine to interview more than three proposers. The proposed Evaluation Committee composition is as follows:
1. San Joaquin County Representative (1)
2. Other City Representatives (Tracy & Manteca)
3. Lodi Committee on Homelessness Representative (1)
4. Access Center Advisory Committee Member (1)
5. Lodi Police Department (1)
Attachments:
1. Access Center and Emergency Shelter Operator RFP
2. Resolution
STRATEGIC VISION:
4C. Housing: Continued progress towards Regional Housing Needs Assessment goals.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The RFP requires proposers to present a scalable financial model that reduces City costs and identifies potential funding offsets such as Medical Respite reimbursements, donations, and grant resources. City Council has previously allocated $1.65 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Homeless, Housing Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) funds to support the Access Center, which are expected to cover up to one year of operations through early 2027. All ARPA funds must be fully expended by December 31, 2026. Long-term operational costs will depend on proposals received, with future funding sources yet to be determined.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
APRA-22001.Contracts through 2026. Grant resources outside of ARPA funds may provide operational support into the first quarter of 2027 (APRA-22001.Contracts. HHAP4). Sustained future funding availability unknown at this time.